Telescope support stand system

ABSTRACT

A telescope support stand system for side cutaway view of the present invention in the contracted position. The telescope support stand system includes a base that is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to the base, an upper tube slidably positioned about the lower tube, an elevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and a support plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescope thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lower tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to telescope stands andmore specifically it relates to a telescope support stand system forproviding a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Telescope stands have been in use for years. Typically, aconventional telescope stand has one or more legs that support atelescope upon thereof. A commonly utilized telescope stand is comprisedof a typical tripod structure. Many conventional telescopes aremotorized for allowing accurate rotation thereof for allowing trackingof celestial objects. However, prior to installing the telescope uponthe support stand the user must ensure that the support stand is polaraligned. This process must be repeated each time the user desires toutilize the telescope.

[0005] Unfortunately, conventional telescope stands do not provide astable system for adequately and conveniently supporting a telescopeupon thereof. In addition, conventional telescope stands must constantlybe realigned to ensure proper polar and horizontal positioning. Anotherproblem with conventional telescope stands is that they are easily movedfrom external forces such as wind or an individual engaging the stand.

[0006] Examples of patented devices which are illustrative of such priorart include U.S. Pat. No. 176,133 to Haworth; U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,694 toNestler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,752 to Rizzi et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,747,353 to Watt; U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,277 to Bailey et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,385,323 to Garelick; U.S. Pat. No. 3,358,951 to Carter; and U.S.Pat. No. 4,196,881 to Davidson.

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose towhich they address, they are not as suitable for providing a convenientand stable support stand for a telescope. Conventional telescope standsdo not provide a convenient and stable structure for telescopes.

[0008] In these respects, the telescope support stand system accordingto the present invention substantially departs from the conventionalconcepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides anapparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a convenientand stable support stand for a telescope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of telescope stands now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new telescope support stand system constructionwherein the same can be utilized for providing a convenient and stablesupport stand for a telescope.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new telescopesupport stand system that has many of the advantages of the telescopestands mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a newtelescope support stand system which is not anticipated, renderedobvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art telescopestands, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a basethat is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to thebase, an upper tube slidably positioned within the lower tube, anelevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and asupport plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescopethereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignmentplates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding aboutthe lower tube.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide atelescope support stand system that will overcome the shortcomings ofthe prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a telescope support stand systemfor providing a convenient and stable support stand for a telescope.

[0016] Another object is to provide a telescope support stand systemthat that does not need to be realigned after installation.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a telescope support standsystem that is simple and easy to permanently install.

[0018] A further object is to provide a telescope support stand systemthat is not easily moved after installation.

[0019] Another object is to provide a telescope support stand systemthat aids in astrophotography by eliminating vibrations and movements.

[0020] A further object is to provide a telescope support stand systemthat allows for simple vertical adjustment.

[0021] Another object is to provide a telescope support stand systemthat maintains proper polar alignment at various adjusted heights.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, thisinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawingsare illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0025]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present inventionsupporting a conventional telescope.

[0026]FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in anextended position.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in an extendedposition.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of the present invention in thecontracted position.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the present invention in theextended position.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.

[0032]FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similarreference characters denote similar elements throughout the severalviews, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a telescope support stand system 10,which comprises a base 20 that is permanently secured to a floor 16, alower tube 30 attached to the base 20, an upper tube 40 slidablypositioned about the lower tube 30, an elevating unit 70 within thelower tube 30 for elevating the upper tube 40, and a support plate 50attached to the upper tube 40 for mounting a telescope 12 thereto. Theouter tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates 90 forproviding a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lowertube 30.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the base 20 iscomprised of a relatively flat structure that may be attached to varioussurfaces such as a floor 16. The base 20 may be attached to the floor 16utilizing various well-known attachment means such as but not limited tofasteners 22 and adhesives. The base 20 may be comprised of variousstructures, designs and materials as can be appreciated by one skilledin the art.

[0036] The lower tube 30 is attached to an upper surface of the base 20as further shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. The lower tube 30may have various lengths, widths and shapes as can be appreciated by oneskilled in the art. The lower tube 30 may be constructed by variousmeans, however conventional extrusion methods are preferably utilized toconstruct the lower tube 30.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the upper tube 40is formed to slidably surround the lower tube 30. It can be appreciatedthat the upper tube 40 may be formed to slidably fit within the lumen ofthe lower tube 30. As best shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the lowertube 30 and the upper tube 40 have angled corner sections thatcorrespond to one another. In addition, the lower tube 30 and the uppertube 40 preferably have a similar cross sectional shape as further shownin FIG. 7 of the drawings.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 of the drawings, a plurality ofalignment plates 90 are preferably attached within the inner cornersurfaces of the upper tube 40 for slidably engaging the correspondingouter corner surface of the lower tube 30. The alignment plates 90 arepreferably constructed of a relatively low friction material such as butnot limited to high density plastic. The alignment plates 90 arepreferably formed to provide a relatively snug fit about the upper tube40 to reduce undesirable movement of the upper tube 40. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the alignment plates 90 are preferablyconstructed of an elongate structure to ensure complete contact with thelower tube 30.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a support plate 50is attached to the upper portion of the upper tube 40. The support plate50 is formed for securely mounting a support housing 14 of a telescope12 thereof as are commonly found within the industry.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 of the drawings, an elevating unit70 is positioned within the lower tube 30. The elevating unit 70 ismechanically attached to either the upper tube 40 or the support plate50 for elevating and lowering the upper tube 40 with respect to thelower tube 30. The elevating unit 70 is preferably comprised of amechanical actuator 72 with a motor 74 and a power cord 76. Theelevating unit 70 may be constructed of an electrical-mechanical or apressurized air system as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art.As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a control unit 60 incommunication with the elevating unit 70 by a communication cord 62 isprovided for allowing control of the elevating unit 70.

[0041] A product manufactured by LINAK (www.linak.com) entitled theDESKLINE system is considered relevant to the elevating unit 70, thelower tube 30 and the upper tube 40 structure of the present inventionand is incorporated herein by reference. The DESKLINE system iscurrently utilized for elevating desks, tables, kitchen units and evenheavy-duty industrial workbenches.

[0042] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrating the upper tube 40 slidably positionedwithin the lumen of the lower tube 30 with a plurality of alignment rods120 attached to the support plate 50 of the upper tube 40. An upperplate 100 is attached to the upper portion of the lower tube 30 andincludes a plurality of support bearings 110 within for slidablyreceiving the plurality of alignment rods 120 thereby maintaining properalignment of the upper tube 40 and support plate 50 during operation ofthe present invention.

[0043] In use, the user first polar aligns the present invention. Afterthe present invention is properly aligned, the base 20 is permanentlyand non-movably secured to the floor 16 or similar structure. The userthen is able to manipulate the elevation of the telescope 12 bymanipulating the control unit 60. If the telescope 12 is desired to beelevated, the upper tube 40 is elevated by the elevating unit 70 to thedesired position with the alignment plates 90 sliding about the exteriorsurface of the lower tube 30. If the telescope 12 is desired to belowered, the upper tube 40 is lowered by the elevating unit 70 to thedesired position with the alignment plates 90 sliding about the exteriorsurface of the lower tube 30. This process continues while not requiringthe user to realign the present invention nor the telescope 12 overextended periods of time.

[0044] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operationof the present invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

[0045] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to bewithin the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalentstructural variations and relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

[0046] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A telescope support stand system for adjustably supporting atelescope, comprising: a base; a lower tube extending vertically fromsaid base; an upper tube slidably positioned about said lower tube; asupport plate attached to an upper end of said upper tube for mountingsaid telescope thereto; and an elevating unit for manipulating avertical position of said upper tube with respect to said lower tube. 2.The telescope support stand system of claim 1, wherein said elevatingunit includes a control unit.
 3. The telescope support stand system ofclaim 2, wherein said elevating unit is comprised of an electricactuator system.
 4. The telescope support stand system of claim 2,wherein said elevating unit is comprised of a pressurized air system. 5.The telescope support stand system of claim 1, wherein said upper tubeand said lower tube have a similar cross section shape.
 6. The telescopesupport stand system of claim 5, wherein said upper tube and said lowertube have rectangular shape with angled corners.
 7. The telescopesupport stand system of claim 6, including a plurality of alignmentplates within an inner surface of said angled corners of said uppertube.
 8. The telescope support stand system of claim 7, wherein saidalignment plates are comprised of a wear resistant and reduced frictionmaterial.
 9. The telescope support stand system of claim 8, wherein saidalignment plates are formed to snugly engage said lower tube.
 10. Thetelescope support stand system of claim 9, wherein said alignment platesare comprised of a high density plastic.
 11. A telescope support standsystem for adjustably supporting a telescope, comprising: a base; alower tube extending vertically from said base; an upper tube slidablypositioned about said lower tube; a support plate attached to an upperend of said upper tube for mounting said telescope thereto; an elevatingunit for manipulating a vertical position of said upper tube withrespect to said lower tube; an upper plate attached to an upper portionof said lower tube; a plurality of support bearings within said upperplate; and a plurality of alignment rods attached to said support plateslidably extending within said support bearings for aligning saidsupport plate and said upper tube.
 12. The telescope support standsystem of claim 11, wherein said elevating unit includes a control unit.13. The telescope support stand system of claim 12, wherein saidelevating unit is comprised of an electric actuator system.
 14. Thetelescope support stand system of claim 12, wherein said elevating unitis comprised of a pressurized air system.
 15. The telescope supportstand system of claim 11, wherein said upper tube and said lower tubehave a similar cross section shape.
 16. The telescope support standsystem of claim 15, wherein said upper tube and said lower tube haverectangular shape with angled corners.
 17. The telescope support standsystem of claim 16, including a plurality of alignment plates within aninner surface of said angled corners of said upper tube.
 18. Thetelescope support stand system of claim 17, wherein said alignmentplates are comprised of a wear resistant and reduced friction material.19. The telescope support stand system of claim 18, wherein saidalignment plates are formed to snugly engage said lower tube.
 20. Thetelescope support stand system of claim 19, wherein said alignmentplates are comprised of a high density plastic.